148 GLAUCUS ; OR, 
Crimson, and azure, and emerald, were broken in star-showers, 
lighting, 
Far in the wine-dark depths of the crystal, the gardens of Nereus, 
Coral, and sea-fan, and tangle, the blooms and the palms of the 
ocean. 
So they went on in their joy, more white than the foam which they 
scattered, 
Laughing and singing and tossing and twining ; while, eager, the 
Tritons 
Blinded with kisses their eyes, unreproved, and above them in 
worship 
Fluttered the terns, and the sea-gulls swept past them on silvery 
pinions, 
Echoing softly their laughter; around them the wantoning 
dolphins 
Sighed as they plunged, full of love; and the great sea-horses 
which bore them 
Curved up their crests in their pride to the delicate arms of their 
riders, 
Pawing the spray into gems, till a fiery rainfall, unharming, 
Sparkled and gleamed on the limbs of the maids, and the coils of 
the mermen. 
So they went on in their joy, bathed round with the fiery coolness, 
Needing nor sun nor moon, self-lighted, immortal: but others, 
Pitiful, floated in silence apart ; on their knees lay the sea-boys 
Whelmed by the roll of the surge, swept down by the anger of 
Nereus ; 
Hapless, whom never again upon quay or strand shall their 
mothers 
Welcome with garlands and vows to the temples; but, wearily 
pining, 
Gaze over island and main for the sails which return not; they, 
heedless, 
